How the Ottomans nearly conquered Italy

In 1480 Sultan Muhammad Al-Fatih launched the most audacious expedition of his leadership. He sent an army under the Grand Admiral of the Ottoman Navy, Gedik Ahmet Pashato to Southern Italy to capture Otranto.

The army moved inland towards Brindisi, Taranto and Lecce, but Duke Ferrante of Naples led a counterattack and the Ottoman army was pushed back to Otranto where the majority of the Ottoman Army sailed away.

However, the Ottomans left a group of troops stationed at Otranto whilst the Greek Island of Rhodes was being captured. When the Island of Rhodes was abandoned, the Ottomans returned and continued fighting well into 1481.

The occupation of Italian lands so close to the main altar of Christendom caused a great level of concern and panic. Blame was shifted around Italy and people in Venice were accused of doing nothing and were even accused of aiding the Ottomans.

In spite of the retention of Rhodes, fear of the Ottomans was now at its highest. Muhammad Al-Fatih himself was said to be coming to Italy and the Pope considered fleeing to Avignon. What saved Italy from the Ottomans was only the eventual death of Muhammad Al-Fatih in 1481.